Being Gazza: My Journey to Hell and Back

by Paul Gascoigne; John McKeown; Hunter Davies

A unique story, told in a unique way, by a truly unique and interesting personality. This follow up to Gazza's autobiography follows him through a tear in therapy, detailing the serious issues that have dogged his life.

Genres: Biography, Football, Nonfiction

Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always been a big fan of Gazza and knew he had his demons but I admit I had no idea of just how much he's had to deal with in his life. This book is a really honest account of his difficulties and just how hard he is finding dealing with life, his addictions and the media. This book was written over 15 years ago and I know hes had a few stays in detox since then but I sincerely hope he can one day manage to turn his life around and find inner peace and happiness. Hes one of the good guys and deserves it!

[Zak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly honest and insightful into the mind of someone with his struggles

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ah, the Dickens and Shakespeare of the green hallowed turf. I doubt Dickens would have met his new Italian boss and family with the phrase, "Lovely daughter, big tits", but Gazza's poetry was firmly and only ever in his boots. Hunter Davis allows the voice of Gazza to shine through, although I'm not sure if "shine" is the right word. Gazza sparkled and dazzled, maybe, but there was always a dark and somewhat manky side to him too, and the book doesn't falter in displaying both. Yes, he was a working class hero, but he brought a lot of the working class mentality with him, the kind that the middle classes would rather overlook - drinking yourself sick, hitting the wife, sticking pieces of shit in mince pies and watching your mates eat them, belching as a way of expression. In the end, you were left with the impression of a man totally unhappy in his own skin, struggling with the day to day pressures of life and unappreciative of what he's been gifted with. You feel he is desperate for the insight that will give him peace and make him happy, but that finding it anywhere off a football park is beyond his reach.

[Mike Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the greatest book I ever read but certainly very interesting. It is not an autobiography, but a record of a series of therapy sessions between Gazza and his therapist.



Never having experienced therapy I found it fascinating . . . although it's hard not to feel frustrated with Gazza as he falls headlong into one pitfall after another.



It's sad that a man who brought such joy to so many people has fallen so badly into the life he has. Even more poignant in the light of Gazza's recent spectacular slip off the wagon.

[Vegannic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. Gazza is very open about his addictions and struggles. Very insightful and interesting from a psychologist point of view. I never realised he had so many other problems and not just alcoholism.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully insightful read. Through highs and lows he tells all, probably a side which has not been seen before.

Although this book is not written in the best way, the content makes up for the somewhat lack of 'story' or flow.

[Jalem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being Paul Gascoigne is not easy

This book is an intimate view into the life of Gazza and his fight against addiction(s)

Gazza was also very vocal about his hate for paparazzi, especially the English ones. So much so that he blames them a bit for his mental health problems.

Loved the book

[Maxime · Rating 2 out of 5]

i think you have to be a "Gazza" fan to truly appreciate this book it was ok but truth be told i lost interest in it.

[Fraser Logan · Rating 1 out of 5]

hell and back reading it, kinda like reading a big brother script over a series is the best way to describe this.

[Matt Blum · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book quite disappointing and sad. Such a shame Gazza struggled so much and continues to do so. I wish him all the best.